Proton-radiation-tolerant silicon photonic charge sensor for spacecraft applications

This preprint investigates proton-radiation effects on a silicon-waveguide-based photonic charge sensor for spacecraft potential sensing. The sensor is based on silicon photonic crystal waveguides, and its radiation tolerance was examined through proton irradiation experiments performed under controlled operating conditions. Radiation-induced changes in optical absorption were quantitatively evaluated by optical transmission measurements. No human or animal subjects were involved in this study, and all experiments were conducted in compliance with relevant institutional safety regulations.